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Page 259
the more should she realize that Joanna would also adjust. Women did adjust. Yes, but Ian knew very well that sometimes they did not adjust, and then they cast their eyes around and betrayed their husbandsand that did not make them happy, either. It was not impossible that Alinor was right.
"What am I to say to Salisbury? Do you wish to speak to him or shall I deny him outright?"
"Do not deny him."
Alinor had been thinking over the subject, and she began to come around a little to Ian's point of view. The boy was a dear. His connections were wide and mighty. If Joanna could be inclined in Geoffrey's direction, there could be few more excellent matches.
"You say Salisbury is desirous that Geoffrey should be happy," Alinor went on, "and that he asks for Joanna because he sees his son is inclined toward her. Well, tell him that I feel just so about myourdaughter." She took Ian's hand. "Now that I have had a moment to think of it, I am aware that it was your thought for Joanna that made you wish to bind her to Geoffrey. And Joanna, although she has spirit enough, is not such a hellion as I. If she casts her eyes upon him, I will be very happy in the match. No, certainly do not deny Salisbury. Say to him only that there is no unhappiness equal to that of a husband who loves his wife when the wife does not return his affection."
Ian's jaw clenched just as if Alinor had incautiously probed a painful wound, but she did not notice. She was looking past him, thinking of Joanna and Geoffrey and their behavior toward each other that day they had been together in the keep. Alinor had not had the time to observe them since Ian had brought Geoffrey back with him, but from what she had seen herself she was sure that Salisbury was right when he said there was a liking between them. Alinor was one of the few who did not feel that was enough. She flicked a glance at Ian that took in the tumbled hair, the long lashes on down-

 
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